Australia unveils $74m effort to prevent radicalisation among young

An Islamist fighter, identified as Abu Yahya al-Shami from Australia (left), speaks in this still image. The Australian government on Tuesday announced a A$64 million (S$74.4 million) package to help prevent youngsters from being radicalised and joining extremist groups in the Middle East. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

SYDNEY (AFP) - The Australian government on Tuesday announced a A$64 million (S$74.4 million) package to help prevent youngsters from being radicalised and joining extremist groups in the Middle East.

The funding follows a warning from spy chief David Irvine this month that the bloody conflicts in Iraq and Syria are creating a new generation of militants.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott said up to 60 Australians were fighting alongside Islamic State (IS) jihadists, while another 100 were actively working to support the movement at home.

"Recent images of brutal killings in Syria and the brazen presence of Australian citizens amongst the foreign fighters highlights the need for action to counter radicalisation," Abbott said, adding that IS was using "medieval barbarism allied to modern technology".